We welcome the commitment of the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, and the justice secretary, Ken Clarke, to divert people with mental health needs away from the justice system where possible and to improve treatment and support in the community (£5m scheme to divert mentally ill offenders from prison, 28 March). Many men, women and children in prison have two or more mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, many others struggle with a learning disability, and significant numbers have severe and ongoing illnesses such as schizophrenia and personality disorders. Prison healthcare is too often a catch-all for people who would be better cared for outside the criminal justice system.

Lord Bradley's recent review of diversion from the criminal justice system into treatment and social care said "there are more people with mental health problems in prison than ever. While public protection remains the priority ... custody can exacerbate mental ill-health, heighten vulnerability and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide."

The Care Not Custody campaign was inspired by the tragic death in prison of the son of a Norfolk WI member. Three years since the campaign was launched, we are pleased that both secretaries of state have agreed to work together and commit further resources to the full roll- out of a national liaison and diversion scheme by 2014, as proposed by the Bradley report. We plan to work in partnership to make sure that the government keeps its "care not custody" promise.